Emma
Ifeel so elegant and sexy in this little black dress I bought ages ago. My makeup is cleaner than usual- my eyes are mostly decorated with a pair of natural looking, fake eyelashes and highlighter.
I have yet to figure out who is going to be at my dad’s retirement party tonight. It would be nice to meet someone new for a change- I work my ass off and really need to blow off some steam. A night with a random, hot stranger is just the remedy I’m looking for.
My favorite lip gloss- a deep mauve- sits in my purse. I reach for it and apply it liberally, before pulling my hair into a clean, low pony, with a few strands poking out by my ears. Standing up, I grab my purse and give myself one last look in the mirror, feeling like I’m ready to turn heads tonight.
“Happy retirement, Dad!”
“Hey, I’m not retired yet. I’ve still got,” my dad checks his watch. “3 hours and 12 minutes left.”
“How on Earth are you going to keep yourself busy until then?”
I never let my dad scold me about my sarcasm anymore. After all, it’s inherited from him.
“I’ll find a way, sweet pea. It’s all the timeafterthat I’m worried about.”
“Aw, dad. I’m sure you’ll find something to do.”
“Maybe I’ll drop by The Oak sometime and have a world-class, afternoon cup of joe. How’s that sound?”
My stomach drops. I clench my teeth to keep the panic from playing on my face.
“Isaac!” My father booms.
Holy shit, that was too close. What the hell am I going to do?
“I don’t believe I’veproperlyintroduced you to my daughter, Emma. Emma, this is Isaac Watson. He’s one of my best. You might remember him from my office the other day.”
How could I forget this man’s gorgeous green eyes? Besides that, Isaac Watson shakes my hand with a strong grip. I like that. He’s not treating me like I’m more fragile than him, despite his large muscles rippling under his button-up.
With each movement, the veins snaking down his arms leave me wondering what those strong hands can do. I just want to run my fingers through his dirty blond hair and pull on those locks as he-
“It’s nice to meet you Emma,” he says.
Shit, I need to leave before my dad brings up what he’s going to do with his retirement time again.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Isaac. I need to go get more champagne, excuse me,”
I can feel the man’s eyes burning into my back as I walk away.
Relax, Emma. Remember, tonight is about fun. Find a man! Maybe, one who’s not attached to dad’s hip right now.
Suddenly, I hit a brick wall. My glass drops out of my hand, shattering on the floor.
“Shit! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you-”
My heart skips a beat. It’s him. It’s theothergorgeous guy from the office.
“Hey, we almost met the other day,” I sputter out.
“I think you’re right,” he says.
“Emma,” I reach out my hand, “Emma Martin.”
“Luke. Luke Burrows, it’s nice to meet you Emma. Look, can I get you another drink?”
Luke's voice is smooth but easy to hear over the vibrations. His eyes are icy against the backdrop of his dark hair.